The Precipice

Head case aside, I was rather disappointed to see Sam on the bench for so long in both games even when, I think, Theo was on the bench too.

And the lack of ball movement against the Thunder was puzzling. It seemed eerily similar to the beginning of the year except instead of standing around watching Brand they were standing around watching whoever was iso-ing up.

I'm still perturbed that when we need some shooting or we are behind, this staff refuses to put in either of the guys who were brought here specifically for that. I mean, if you can find some minutes here and there for Theo, are you telling me that you can't do the same for Donyell at least - since management is supposedly upset with Rush. Dileo seems to have fallen into the mindset that his rotations have to stay the same b/c it worked for him for a period of time and he doesn't want to stray from it but change is definitely needed on this front.

I think I responded to most of your comment below. The ball movement thing I don't get. I mean, every single time someone drove the lane there were three defenders standing right there, but no one else was moving. There should've been lob opportunities, wide-open 15-footers, open threes. I don't recall seeing any pick and roll plays w/ Speights either.

Y'know, I'd say Friday is more the precipice game. Chicago is desperately trying to fend off a bunch of bunched up teams for the last playoff spot. Philly wins that game, I think they can breathe a lot easier, they should make it given the relative strength (weakness) of the games remaining.

There are two ways to go when you come in as a new coach. You can try to keep things as much the same as possible, and gradually work your changes in, or you can blow the whole thing up and start from scratch.

I don't think DiLeo was ever in the positions to do the latter, especially considering he came from the front office, and he had a big hand in each one of these players coming to the team, but at some point, he's going to have to put his stamp on the team.

I understand Rush's disappearance, that guy hasn't done a thing at all this season. He got a couple of opportunities and did nothing with his minutes. Marshall, on the other hand, has actually been very productive when he's gotten some time. When the team is in a scoring slump, I'd definitely go to him. In fact, I'd like to see him take Reggie's minutes some nights.

You may be right that the Chicago game is more make-or-break than this one, but after that Thunder loss, I just see this as kind of a defining moment of the season. How will they react?

"I don't think DiLeo was ever in the positions to do the latter, especially considering he came from the front office, and he had a big hand in each one of these players coming to the team, but at some point, he's going to have to put his stamp on the team."